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Trapped in Arkham pt.5

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Therianthropy

Emily, Jason and myself all walk through the tunnel way leading to Arkham East, our only way to reach Intensive Treatment where other survivors are.
 
It’s similar to the tunnel leading from Arkham North to West, with the paved road and all, put the walls and concrete seem much more older, most likely one of the few standing relics of how the Asylum used to be when it was first built.

When we finally reach the door and it opens up to Arkham East, I’m met with a very intimidating site that is this part of the island.

Right outside the door is an old looking archway, reading “Arkham East”, beyond that I ten foot tall statue of Warden sharp looking out of this part of the island on an elevated stone display platform. But beyond all of that is a mansion, a large old looking relic of a building that looms over like a solid shadow given form. It’s very large, from what I can see the back of it is like, but what stands out to me is the large bell tower with a clock face right at the front of it.

I step back a bit saying “Whoa...” in a hushed tone.

Hearing this, Jason looks back and me then back at the mansion and says “Yeah...had the same reaction when I first saw it. Fact I think we all did.” He finished looking at Emily, who gave him a slight agreeing nod.

I try to look away from it to see what else is on this part of the island. I can see another security booth nearby along with two guard towers, one on each side of the pathway leading to the next doorway to Arkham North so they are overlooking every part of the island. I can also see the Botanical gardens building too. It’s high up on a hill with a set of stairs leading up to its doorway. It’s roofing is made from glass in a styled cone-like shape. There are a few of them that make up the top of the building, some with small points on top.

I then look to the right where there’s another view of Gotham, only now I can see more of the downtown area. I can even see the towering spectacle of Wayne Tower over the other buildings. For a moment it makes me think of how much I wish I was back in the city, or at least anywhere but here. Somewhere safe. But I can’t dwell on that now.

“So that way to Arkham North, right?” I ask, pointing to where the path leads.

“Right.” Emily says. “I guess we’re in luck if...” She suddenly stopped when there was the sound of someone walking towards our general area.

“Quick. Get down.” Jason says as softly but loud as possible.

We take cover behind the stand where Warden Sharp’s statue is, crouching down so we’re as hidden as can be, before I poke my head out to see who it is. I can see them coming from the path towards the Botanical gardens. At first it’s hard to see, given how far away they are, but once they come close enough I’m not even sure even seeing what I’m seeing.

It’s some guy dressed in one of the silliest outfits I’ve ever seen. A bright colored violet shirt with some green symbol of a bug on it and a fur collar that’s poofed out in the back, the same green and violet colors matching with a pair of striped stockings on his legs. On the back are large plastic light red wings that are strapped onto his back. He’s wearing a belt that had odd looking grenades that looked like they were owned by a clown and they’d explode into confetti and even a small handgun that stood out the most from his outfit, and that was saying something. In his right hand is some sort-of custom made gun, looking like a cross between a spray gun, a paint gun and toy gun, with two small canisters on the side that are filled with some kind of white substance. And finally over his head is some kind of helmet that looks like it’d been constructed from a bucket and a few other metal pieces. All together shaped like some sort of bug head with two pincers on the side and two sharp antenna on top.

As he comes closer I duck down to avoid being seen, only for him to pass by and walk prideful; almost like he’s own his way to receive the award of his life of something.

As he turns and walks towards the mansion, I look again and whisper “What the hell....?” tilting my head slightly at the sight.

Then Emily looks too and groans before saying “Oh no. Drury...”

I hear Jason whisper “Who?” before peeking out too and seeing him. “Oh god. It’s Walker”

The name sounding familiar to me, I ask “Who is he?”

Before either of them can answer we all see as he walks to front door of the mansion and knocks on it with the butt of his gun. I take a moment to fully see the front of the mansion door, seeing how there’s a small set of stairs in front of it. The door itself is large and a double and made of strong looking wood and steel. Near the door, one the small expanse of wall next to each side of the door, as well as two sets of speakers, were the words “Zebra Man will rise!” painted in white and black paint.

A camera, hanging over the archway over the door, looked down towards Drury, making him look up to it. The next thing I know, I’m hearing the voice of the Joker coming from the speakers above the door.

“Who is it?” he says, before apparently fully seeing Walker and saying “Oh. It’s you.”

“Yes, Joker.” Walker says. “The deadly Killer Moth has come.”

“Of course you have. What do you want, bug-brain? I already had to deal with the human fashion disaster that is Zebra Man. What makes you any different? Other than you have worst taste them him.” He giggles.

Killer Moth, as I find out his so-called super-villain name, talks in a prominent tone when saying “I’m not like that fake feeble fool. I am more than man. With our forces combined we can take the city for ourselves. Rule side-by-side!”

“You mean with the kooky snot-gun of yours?” Joker says. “Ha! And people say I’M crazy.”

“Please, Joker. Give me a chance. Let me into the mansion so we can talk face-to-face.”

“Oh go stare at a light bulb or something, Moth-ball. I’m not even in the mansion.”

“Wh-what?”

“It’s all a front, see? I tell everyone to come to the mansion and then, if I think they got the right stuff to join up, tell them where I REALLY am. Get it?”

“I see. An ingenious plan for yourself. So tell me where you are then. I’ll be there before...”

“Like I said, forget it. I’m not in the habit of taking in nut-jobs in their grandmother’s hand-me-downs. And given the people I’ve hung out with, that’s saying something.” I hear him chuckle.

“Joker! Do not deny me my chance! Killer Moth must be recognized as the greatest villain Gotham has ever see!”

“Yeah, and then I’ll go on to be voted for Queen of Canada! Get lost, Walker. The invitation well has run dry for you.”

Just then I hear Emily whisper to herself “Just leave, Drury. Leave.”

Suddenly Killer Moth started banging on the door over and over, yelling “I DEMAND TO HAVE MY CHANCE! I WILL NOT BE DENIED BY SOME SLACK-JAW CLOWN WHO CALLS ME A FOOL! I WANT WHAT I DESERVE!”

“Alright then, Killer. You want what you deserve? I’ll give you what you deserve. Let me refer you to my secretary.”

“Very well. Send Harley Quinn to me immediately.”

“Oh no. Harley’s busy for the moment. So why don’t I send you the temp.”

As confused as I, and I’m sure Emily a Jason, are by the conversation, all of us, including Killer Moth, are stunned in horror by what we hear. It’s a monstrous shriek or squeal that sounds like an unnatural creature has made. We look up to where I came from, somewhere up in the clock tower, and then see something horrifying. It flies down towards Killer Moth and I do my best to hold back from screaming at the sight.

A giant bat-like animal, possibly nine or ten feet tall, comes down from the sky, it’s think brown furred body looking more and more dark from the light of the night. It’s leather wings look almost transparent with the light of the moon shining through them. The closest thing to clothing it has on are the torn pants from, what I can tell, are left from the clothes an Arkham inmate would wear. It’s large clawed feet opened and ready to snatch the little Moth-man up. Then I look up at its face and saw the large bat ears, it’s pushed up snout of a nose, it’s mouth full of razor teeth with two large fangs standing out the most, and it’s large yellow beady eyes looking down towards it’s victim. The only other thing standing out is that around his neck is some advanced looking shock collar on him.  I’d never thought I’d see the dreaded Man-Bat in life, and right now I’m wishing I still hadn’t.

We watch while hiding to see Killer Moth scream and point his odd-looking gun at Man-Bat, only for the monster to smack it out of his hand with a good flap from his wing. Man-Bat lands in front as Moth tries to run but trips on one of the steps. He tries to crawl away before Man-Bat jumps over and lands it’s foot around his body, catching him in his grip. I hear Moth scream as he’s picked up into the sky, trying to hold onto a root on the ground before it breaks in his hand. I look away at that point, but I can still hear him screaming as he goes higher and higher. The last thing I hear before looking back is a final monstrous squeal from that creature before both are gone.

“Whe-where they’d go?” I ask, standing out from the hiding spot now.

“Back into the clock tower.” Jason point up. “Dammit, Walker, why didn’t you just leave?”

I look to Emily, who has one and across her chest and the other on the side of her head.

“Emily?” I ask, before Jason holds my shoulder.

He begins to explain “Walker was one of her first patients. I think this is a little rough for her.”

“No, no. It’s not that.” She says. “It’s....if Joker isn’t in the mansion, then where could he be?”

“Good point.” Jason adds. “There’s only so many other places he could be. But...but then that means the Mansion’s probably empty.”

“What are you getting at exactly?” I ask.

“I’m talking about...uh...the Warden.”

“Sharp?” Emily asks. “What makes you think he didn’t get out of here and hiding somewhere else by now?”

I consider this an say “Well...when I overhear Cash and the others, they hadn’t said anything about the Warden. So...maybe he is still inside.”

“But then what makes you sure he’s not dead?” she says, making me think the same.

“We need to try at least, Emily.” He says, walking over to her. “If the Warden’s still alive and we leave him, how can we live with that?”

I can tell Emily is seeing a point in what he’s saying, but at the same time she’s thinking that we shouldn’t bother and just keep going. I can’t help but feel conflicted too. I don’t see why we should risk our lives to save some Warden, but at the same time we shouldn’t just leave him to die if he’s still alive.

Finally Emily sighs and says “Fine. We’ll look. But the minute anything even feels wrong. We go.”

Jason nods before both look to me.

I nod too but then ask “So how do we get in?” I point out the camera still over the doorway and say “The front door’s out of the question.”

Jason thinks for a second before saying “We could try the air ducts. There should be one leading into the main hall.”

Jason leads the way as we walk towards somewhere on the left side of the mansion. We manage to avoid being seen by the camera as we walk towards another section that’s walled off with only one entrance. It looks like a private garden of sorts, with a few stands and vases set up with a bunch of plants, and even a lone tree, that look they were once colorful, but had all that color drained by the mansion’s, or possible Arkham itself, essence.

In a minute after looking around, Jason finds a vent on the side of the wall. Looking around, Emily finds a large fallen branch from the tree and uses it to pry the vent open. A few good pushes while it’s wedged in between the bars and it eventually pops off.

“Right then.” Jason says, putting the branch down. “So, ladies first?” Both Emily and I give him an annoyed look before he says “Just trying to be polite.” And then is the first to crawl into the vent.

Next is myself and finally Emily. We all make our way through, me coughing and Jason sneezing once or twice along the way. A few minutes later we finally see the end of the vent. We reach it and Jason rears himself to kick the vent off as hard as possible. Three good kicks and it falls off before we all crawl out, finding that we are in the main hall of the mansion.

It’s a pretty large and long room, where I can look and see doors at the end and at the other is a another statue of Warden Sharp between two sets of stairs leading to the same landing but also towards two different doors to different parts of the mansion. There are a bunch of desks and chairs and other things you’d usually find in an office  all about the room. Papers are all over the place and some of the desks are over turned, one actually blocking the top of the left side stairs.

Once we’re all out I ask “Which way now?”

“Sharp’s office is in the east wing of the mansion.” Emily says. “That’s where we’ll need to start.”

“But we need to be quite.” Jason adds. “Don’t want to attract....well you know who.” He says, pointing up.

Emily and I nod before we walk towards the stairway. As we walk up the one on the right I look at the statue of Warden Sharp in the middle. I keep thinking how I’ve seen so many different things that have his face or look to them. Posters, statues, T.V. announcements and so on. I’m almost half surprised he hasn’t renamed the whole place Sharp Asylum given how egotistical he’s coming off as. Doesn’t matter now.

We walk through the doors on the right of the landing and find ourselves in a small hallway. A wooden archway reaching from one wall to the other is in front with desk with a pile of papers next to it. We walk through and there’s a turn to the left leading to another door. Now that we’re out of the lobby we can move quicker without worrying about noise.

We reach the door at the end and find ourselves in the warden’s office. There’s a small sectioned corridor with a desk, with piles of paper and a computer on it, where the Warden’s secretary would’ve sat right to the left of us. Around it are a few file cabinets. Across from the desk is a locker and another portrait of Sharp hanging near it. Under it is a plaque reading “Sanely fighting the madness”. Another archway we pass before another doorway to the right.

Now we can see the actual office of Sharp’s. I can see it’s a large enough room to have another stature of him all the way to the left hand side of the entrance. A few small stairs leading further back into the office where there’s a desk with a large chair behind it. From here I can still tell there’s a fireplace behind all of that. As we come closer there’s more file cabinets to the left, a desk with more piles of paper and computer equipment on the right. Also on the right is a display case with an odd looking cane with a question mark shaped handle on the top, a label underneath reading “Edward Nigma, the Riddler.”

We walk closer to the desk and chair, which is facing the fireplace, before Emily says “Warden? Warden Sharp?”

There’s no answer but Jason still says “Quincy?” before coming the closets.

“I’m getting a bad feeling about this, even saying to them “I don’t like this. We should go.”

None of them seem to be listening as Jason reaches for the back of the chair and spins it around. Instead for the Warden, or even his body, there was a dummy dressed like the warden with a silly looking face drawn on its blank face. On its lap is some kind of recorder with a tape inside. I see a string that was attached to somewhere under the desk. When Jason turned the chair, the string was pulled and it flipped the switch for the player. As the tape plays we can all hear it’s left from the Joker, since he’s speaking.

He starts out with a laugh before saying “Well, well. Looks like you found the prize, Cash. That’s if this IS Cash. If not, then whoops. Looks like you were at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Another giggle before continuing. “Bet you’re a bit bummed you didn’t find the Warden. Well sorry, but the old bald egg needed a bit of a vacation. So we’re given it to him. In the meantime, maybe you can do with some exercise. Right now, as this very tape is playing, a small sonic alarm is sounding throughout the entire mansion. Now obviously you can’t hear, but right now every dog, cat and giant flying mutant rodent man is. Better start running.” He finishes off with a loud, sinister laugh.

Emily takes the recorder and throws it to the ground, breaking it, before looking to me and Jason and saying “We fell for a trap.”

“No point in hiding then.” Jason says. “We run for the front door. No stopping. Just right for the damn gate to Arkham North.”

Without another word we start hurrying out the door, towards the main hall and hopefully back to the front door. By the time we reach the main hall, we start to make for down the stairs. Not even half way down before we hear a shriek from above. Looking up we seeing in time as Man-Bat coming down from the darkness above towards it.

We all manage to jump away in time but now Man-Bat, landing on the stairs, stands between me and Jason and Emily. I’m higher on the stairs at this point, backing up slowly, only for the creature to turn towards me and give some kind of snarl as he comes closer and closer.

I back away, scared for my life. I should be looking around for a weapon, but I’m too terrified. I can’t even take my eyes off those yellow beads that are its eyes looking back at me. I trip on one of the stairs and fall on my ass, still looking at Man-Bat as he bares his teeth at me.

Suddenly something hits him from behind. It’s a chair that was thrown by Emily. It made contact with Man-Bat’s back and made him roar in pain before looking back. I can see her and Jason, holding a broken leg off a chair in his hands standing there, looking as Man-Bat is coming to them now.

“Run, Sam!” I hear Emily say. “RUN NOW!”

I look at her and then back to Man-Bat, who’s spreading his wings out. No time to stall. I get to me feet and run towards the other set of stairs. Dammit. I forgot they’re blocked. Need to find another way. The door to the West wing. My only choice now. I need to take it.

I push one door open and run inside, just as I hear Man-Bat give another horrible squeal. I’m inside another hallway where there’s a single door at the end. I run over, not looking back, seeing a sign next to it saying “Records”, before reaching it and pushing it open.

The Records room, as I assume it’s called, is a large room with nothing but file drawers all over the walls. I take a moment to look in slight awe at how many there are. There are two sides of the room, the one I’m in and then one on the other side. I can tell because of the clear space in the center of the room. On each side are two towering file cabinets that nearly reach the roof. I walk into the center and see two sets of stairs on each side, both leading to walkways that separate between the two levels of the cabinets on the walls. I can actually see, on both levels, toppled ladders that were used to reach the higher drawers.

I look around for where to hide, or to find a way out of the mansion. My sight darts from one place to another. Somewhere behind the cabinets? Maybe up on the top higher floor? Anywhere? But then I can see, to my left and the left side of the room, there’s an office with a downed electric gate. I run up to it and see a name plaque on the side reading “Professor Hugo Strange”.

Better than nothing I suppose. I go inside and see it’s almost a miniature version of the records room; file cabinets almost as tall as the ceiling. In the front is a small desk with a few files and a computer on it. I can even see large tapes sitting there as well. I walk closer and see names like “Jervis Tetch” “Waylon Jones” “Identity Unknown” “Otis Flannegan” and even one saying “Quincy Sharp”.

Before I can at anymore I hear Man-Bat’s roar again, and it’s closer. I need to find something to defend myself. Maybe use the chair? Try and push one of these cabinets over him if he comes in? But then, while looking more, I see a small window above the desk. My best way out now. I climb up onto the desk, knocking a few things over as I do, before trying to open the window.

As I undo the latch, I can hear Man-Bat again. He’s inside the records room. I glance back before trying to push the window open. It’s a bit hard given how old looking this window is. Possibly no one else had opened it for a long time. I push harder, feeling it slowly open more and more. I can’t try too hard, given by injured hand, but at least it’s still moving.

Just as I get it open enough to fit through, I look back to see Man-Bat at the doorway of the office. I scream as he tries to get it, the doorway too small for his entire body to get through. He still tires getting in, meaning I need to hurry. I crawl my body through the window, still hearing Man-Bat behind.

I manage to get the upper half of my body out, meaning I can look down and see. There’s a small drop from the window to the ground. I manage to get the rest of me out, managing to grab the window and moving my body around before falling. I have my feet pointed down before jumping down, landing on the ground. I hit it hard but I’m still alive and not injured.

Seeing I’m outside the mansion I look around to try and see is Jason and/or Emily made it out. No sign. But then I can see the door to Arkham North. I need to go, but I can’t leave my friends behind. But then I hear Man-Bat’s roar again and I have no choice. I start running towards the door, nearing some area in front of the Mansion and close to the botanical gardens building I hadn’t see before.

I keep running, fearing Man-Bat could be here soon. I pass the area and see there are headstones all over. I stop to look and realize that I’m in the middle of a grave yard. An small cemetery right out in front of the mansion, and I’m in the middle of it. I’m terrified now, knowing I’m in the middle of a burial ground. I turn when I hear Man-Bat again, but the sharp turn makes me trip against some loose soil. I fall and hit something hard, mud and dirt getting all over the front of my uniform. I look and realize....it’s a coffin. A coffin that’s been uncovered from the ground. I look up, trembling, and see the giant head stone reading “Here lies. Amadeus Arkham.” I look to the side and shriek when I can see a boney hand sticking out from the coffin, looking like it’s beckoning me inside.

I stand in time to hear Man-Bat again and see him flying out of the tower. He’s coming for me. I need to run. I trip a little but recover as I run for the door. I hear him coming closer. I keep running faster. I don’t look back. I can’t look back. The door’s right there. I see more dead bodies lying on the path as I do. I can’t stop. I can’t look. I need to survive.

The door opens as I come closer before I rush inside. I stop and look back, Man-Bat’s closer now. The door starts to close and he’s still coming towards me from the air. I hold me arms up in defense if he reaches me. I look away. I don’t want to see.

I finally here the sound of the door closing and Man-Bat’s body hitting against it, hard. I then look and see it’s not opening again. I’m safe. But now I’m shaking. I can’t stand on my feet. I collapse to the ground. I’m trying to catch my breath but my shaking isn’t making it easier. I look down and see all the dirt on my suit. I try to wipe it off but it just smudges over more.

I huddle my legs close and wrap my arms around. I can’t hold back anymore. I start to cry and sob. I can’t help it. I’ve been strong all night...but I can’t anymore. I can’t face it. I can’t survive here. I’m trapped on an island with nothing but monsters and maniacs who’re all ready to kill me. I’ve been through hell all my life.....this is worse. I’m so afraid right now....

And now...I’m all alone....

God.....mom.....dad.....someone.....

....help me....
I own nothing. All material belongs to DC comics.

Note: The term "Therianthropy" is a mental disability where someone thinks they're an animal in human form. I figured, given how Man-Bat is sort of that in real terms, that it would fit for the chapter title.
I always liked goofy villains like Killer Moth. I figure they're a sign of how desperate some people get to prove they can be a supervillain, despite how silly the motif or gimmick.

hope you're all enjoying.

part 6: [link]
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Rootofalllight's avatar
I never thought Killer Moth was goofy...just a criminal who has bad luck.